Harry Morrison Civil Engineering Lab Renovation

Modernizing the Home of Civil Engineering

In 1997 when Boise State University established the College of Engineering, Boise philanthropist Velma Morrison announced a $2 million donation from the Harry W. Morrison Foundation for the construction of a civil engineering building. The two-story, 14,000 square foot facility became Boise State’s first facility solely for engineering.

Over the last 25 years as academic programs grew, the Harry Morrison Lab (HML) became the student hub for experiential learning providing a strong and welcoming environment for the college and campus community.

“The HML Building is where I had my first hands-on experiences with engineering. From applying classroom concepts to technical lab procedures to gathering for engineering clubs and groups, the HML is where the practical application of engineering came alive. The building has provided a location for many invaluable experiences to my education. I look forward to seeing the improvements and the impact it will have on the future generations of Boise State College of Engineering students.”

-Katie Taugher, Class of 2022

The $2 Million Renovation for the Future will:

1. Improve Educational Access and Student Success

• Create new flexible teaching classroom to double teaching capacity from 12-16 students per session to 24-32 students;
• Increase access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies critical to educating and graduating students who are workforce ready;
• Support diverse student needs through comprehensive education and remain competitive across the region with specializations in in environmental, structural, sustainability, transportation and water resources engineering.

2. Meet Workforce Demand

• Over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment for civil engineers will grow 5% faster than the average for all occupations;
• Roughly more than 21,000 openings are projected every year until 2032 on average;
• In Idaho, the state employs more than 2,000 civil engineers with roughly 350 job openings per year.

3. Foster Thriving Community

• The Department of Civil Engineering at Boise State has grown into the largest civil engineering program in the state of Idaho;
• In the last five years, the civil engineering program has nearly doubled in degrees granted annually from 39 to 60 bachelor’s degree;
• Seen a 300% increase in graduate degrees granted annually in that same time.

4. Advance Research and Creative Activity

• Provide for today’s students who break the mold and tackle the challenges of our time;
• Update research facilities for cutting-edge research in three laboratories that house concrete, soils, fluids, and other civil engineering testing areas;
• Support the award-winning American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter who recently secured back-to-back national competition appearances.